I am considering the addition of an MRF-250 to my mom's setup for more robustness. She isn't always waiting for the macros to run causing issues using IR alone. However, all of the components are directly under the TV and I'm not sure how to handle each receiving signals from the MRF-250's flashers and the remote's IR flashes.

I do not think based on the setup that the IR Blaster of the MRF-250 will be of any use and would turn that off.

How does everyone handle the problem of the TV and components receiving IR signals from the 250 and the remote?

BTW, the remote will be a MX-850.

In the programming software under RF setup you can set each device for IR only, RF only or IR and RF. Just set your devices to RF only and you wont have a problem with the remote signals interfering with the base station signals. Also I would recomend an MRF 350 over the 250. Be aware though that the 850 would have to been manufactured after a specific date (cant remember the date off the top of my head) to work with the 350.

You are up to an MRF260, by the way.

In CCP, RF setup allows you to do each component in RF or IR. Both with line of sight could overload the IR window on one of your components and lose reliability.

edit: both posts hit at exactly the same time...

Yes, after reading some more I see that the 260 would be the way to go especially with a cable box which will soon be installed. Also it uses standard 3.5 mm jacks instead of the "special" 2.5 mm jacks for the 250.

I still do not understand about the 260 causing the flashers to flash and the remote will flash thus sending 2 sets of signals. Does choosing RF only in the mx editor cause the remote to not send IR? Is that setup by device or on every button? I've never used RF nor looked for the options in the MX editor. BTW, I'm using the mx editor for an 850 not the CCP software.


Is the 350 418MHz?

The 850 is not a CCP programmable remote. You have to use the stand alone editor. The 350 is 418 MHz while the 350i is 433 MHz. In reality it is the RFX antenna in the 350i that is 433 MHz.

As stated above, when you setup RF in the Editor, you can select IR Only, RF Only, or IR and RF for EACH device. You could setup the Cable Box, DVD player, and other other equipment under the TV for RF only, and place an emitter on each device. You can go one step further and assign each emitter port to specific devices. If you were in your Cable activity for instance, and you press channel up, it would ONLY send the signal to the emitter port you assigned to the cable box. While you are still within your Cable activity, and you press volume up, it will only route to the emitter port you assigned to your TV or AVR (this assumes you set up your volume punch through and have assigned the emitter port for that device controlling volume).

Also, if you do not have an emitter on the TV, but do have an emitter on the other equipment, you can assign those devices to RF Only, and assign the TV to IR Only. You would leave the Main page set to IR and RF. Once you have everything assigned, the remote will know where to send the signal where ever you are on the remote.

So if all devices are set to RF in the editor, the remote will not send any IR signals?

Correct

Thanks - now off to find a 260.

[Link: universalremote.com]

Do you guys think this chap will really go looking for a dealer?


I guess you missed the installer trainings over the last few years... when the 250 came out with the smaller jacks, I asked one of the trainers about it and she told me that this size was a mistake. Make that "oversight," as in "it was reviewed by the oversight committee." :-}

The overseas manufacturer who made those units shipped samples complete with emitters to URC, and whoever reviewed them at URC was (as I see it) not familiar enough with IR emitters to notice that the plugs and jacks were 2.5mm instead of 3.5mm. All else seemed good, they okayed them, they got thousands, then they discovered that other LEDs would not plug into them. Oops.

They're special because they were a mistake.

I guess you assume no one buys from a dealer. I do buy from a dealer sometimes. Got my original remotes from a dealer. Got current ones from URC when the originals went bad using their replacement policy. That said, I am going to shop around for the best price - not just call/visit a dealer and buy it.



That's interesting. That sounds like our government. Taking a quick look at the surface and approving.

Just curious, where do you intend to look for best pricing?

Well, I'm going to call the dealer I purchased the original remotes from and 2 or 3 other dealers in the area. I don't need programming or other services - all I need is the 260 and don't expect to pay for extras. The suggested retail is just that and some dealers price higher than MSRP.

BTW, my "...not just call/visit a dealer and buy it." actually meant:

not just call/visit a single dealer and buy it.

Don't you guys shop around when you buy stuff? 

If the dealers really are selling it above MSRP, shame on them. If you do still seek out another dealer that sells at the appropriate price, good for you. I do hope you can find someone in your local community that you can purchase from. If you cannot find someone local, I would be willing to sell it to you but you would have to pay for shipping. If you have any troubles finding someone local, you can always come back and PM me.

When I was looking for one of my original mx-700, a dealer wanted to tack on a "Professional" fee even though all I wanted was the remote. I thought he should have been satisfied with the markup to MSRP. I already had the software since it was before URC changed their policy and it was available for download and I had been programming my remotes for quite some time, thus I didn't need any professional services. I took my business elsewhere. It's been a few years since this happened. He is no longer in business.

Thanks for the info and offer. The first responder above recommended the MRF-350 and I've been reading about it. Now, I'm not sure which to choose but leaning toward the 350. Off to do so more reading.

Depending on the pricing I get, I may PM you for a bid.